During the mid-20th century, Finnish furniture designer Ilmari Tapiovaara worked with pine, teak and his country’s native birch to create sleek and sculptural chairs, dining room tables and bookcases in the Scandinavian modern style. Tapiovaara’s areas of expertise expanded beyond furniture to include interior architecture, wooden sculptures, film posters and cutlery.
After completing his studies at the Central School of Applied Arts in Helsinki, Tapiovaara embarked on a design career that would envelop his entire life. As a young man, Tapiovaara idolized revered architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto — whom, with his wife, Aino Aalto, cofounded Artek, the company that would eventually manufacture the majority of Tapiovaara’s creations. The budding designer had one of Aalto’s chairs in his apartment while he was a student. After graduating, he worked as an assistant in an office at Le Corbusier, then as a designer and artistic director at Asko.
By 1951, Tapiovaara and his wife, Annikki, had established their own studio. A few years previous, the pair had designed the now-legendary Domus chair while creating interiors and furnishings for a new student housing complex in Helsinki. Made of molded plywood and easily stackable, the ergonomic Domus chair, with its slender form, featured a modest silhouette — its lightweight structure allowed for easy exporting, and iconic mid-century modern furniture manufacturer Knoll added a low-backed version to its offerings in the early 1950s. (It was marketed as the Finn chair in the United States.)
Tapiovaara went on to design pieces for Pihlgren ja Ritola and Santa and Cole. His experience earned him teaching positions at the Institute of Applied Arts, the Helsinki University of Technology and the Illinois Institute of Technology. While in Chicago for the latter, he worked in the office of Mies van der Rohe.
Tapiovaara centered his passion for design on social responsibility. He wanted his creations to be accessible to everyone, which was the concept behind his democratic approach. In Finland’s postwar era, the goal was exemplary, affordable designs. With this in mind, he created products such as stackable chairs and “knock-down” pieces packed flat, so they shipped efficiently and cost less.
An influential champion of his profession, he spent two decades as a United Nations ambassador, working to improve design’s contribution to society. His lasting, collectible furniture is a testament to the designer’s goal to create humane, radiant and intimate spaces. The United Nations project included traveling to Paraguay to create much-needed furniture. A similar project followed in Mauritius.
Tapiovaara’s success as an industrial and mass producer of everyday furniture was widely recognized and awarded. He received six gold medals for his chairs alone at the Milan Triennials. He also accepted a Good Design award, the Finnish State Design Award, a prize from the Finnish Culture Foundation and the Furniture Prize of the SIO Interior Architects’ Association of Finland.
Find vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara seating, tables and lighting on 1stDibs.
Ilmari Tapiovaara, pair of 1950s Wilhelmina chairs, Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of Ilmari Tapiovaara's 1950s Wilhelmina chairs by Laukaan Puu. Crafted with unparalleled Scandinavian craftsmanship, these vintage treasures merge func...
Birch, Plywood
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo 'Chaco' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo, 'Chaco' armchair, leather, pine, brass, rope, Finland, design 1958, made 1959 We present an exquisite lounge chairs known as 'Chaco', meticulously...
Brass
Pair of Commissioned Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chairs, Sheepskin, Merivaara 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of chairs by Tapiovaara that are quite rare and were designed for a private residence. Tapiovaara had quite a lot of commisions through his interior design office. The chairs ...
Metal, Brass
Lounge Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi, Italy 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Oirlo, LI
This lounge chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi was a commission of La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy 1957. This design premiered at the 'Seconda Mostra Selettiva e Conc...
Leather, Wood
Mid Century Modern llmari Lappalainen "Pulkka" Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous form and comfort. Designed by Lappalainen, circa 1962. Rigid aluminum chair frame has three positions, seat lifts off frame for repositioning. Arms have flexibility, and are covered in leather. Ottoman size 22 W x 20 L x 12 H, and is original. Leather is worn and has some tears. Needs Restoration
Aluminum
Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Domus" Lounge Chair, Plywood, Finland, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded plywood "Domus" lounge chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus, Finland, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 12" Arm Height (inches): 21.63" A...
Plywood
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Almelo, NL
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960 These lounge chairs were designed by the renowned Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for the esteemed furnit...
Beech
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
This classic lounge chair is crafted from molded plywood and attributed to Ilmari Tapiovaara’s iconic "Domus" design. The chair bears no maker’s marks. Please note, the seat has been...
Wood
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chair
By Hagafors Stolfabrik 1, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Hagafors, Sweden. Solid wood construction with black lacquer. Newley upholstered in blue leather. Two part knock down construction. Ne...
Wood
Early Mademoiselle Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
A striking pair of early Mademoiselle lounge chairs designed by renowned Finnish modernist Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko in the mid-1950s. First introduced in 1956, this model quickly b...
Birch
Mademoiselle Lounge Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for ASKO 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hannover, DE
Lounge chair by finnish star designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for the manufacturer ASKO. Model name: Mademoiselle firstly designed in 1956.
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Lounge Chair, Birch, Webbing, Finland, 1954
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and webbing "Colette" lounge chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Asko, Finland, c. 1954. Fabric with staining as illustrated. Wear to wood frame consistent w...
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional iconic chair designed by Finnish Master Ilmari Tapiovaara. A rare example of Scandinavian design. Less than 5000 of these chairs were ever created. Winner of the Ame...
Wood
$4,994Sale Price / set|44% Off
Rare Set of 4 Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Munich, DE
Made by Hagafors / Sweden. Two in natural wood, clear lacquered. One with removed lacquer and one lacquered black. All with various signs of use. Two part knock down construction.
Wood
Mademoiselle lounge chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara by Asko, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Ranst, VAN
An early 'Mademoiselle' lounge chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and made by Asko in Finland in the 1950s. Black edition in very good condition. Dimensions: W: 56 cm D: 63 cm H: ...
Wood
Pair of Crinolette Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1962
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of black painted birch 'Crinolette' lounge chairs with bent wood spokes tenon-joined to the solid bent back rest, maintaining original 'Asko Export' stickers.
Birch
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Prototype Congo Folding Chair Finland 1954
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Camden, ME
Congo folding chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1954 manufactured by Lukkiseppo Ltd. in Finland. This prototype of the Congo chair comes from the estate of Ilmari Tapiovaara. ...
Metal, Steel
Mademoiselle Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Iconic mademoiselle chair painted white but aged. Tagged. Made in Sweden
Birch
Pair of Red Midcentury Lounge Chairs Model “2468” Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) Pair of lounge chairs model “2468” Manufactured by Laukaan Puu Finland, 1959 Black lacquered wood and red woolen upholstery Measurements: 70 c...
Wool, Wood
$3,895 / set
H 39 in W 29 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Reclining Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Milo Baughman
By James Inc., Milo Baughman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 39in H x 29in W x 33in D Seat Height 17in Ottoman 14in H x 22.50in W x 22.50in D ____________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bring...
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
$2,746 / set
H 31.5 in W 30.71 in D 41.34 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs Pulkka, Ilmari Lappalainen for ASKO, Finland, 1970s
By Ilmari Lappalainen, Asko
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very confortable - Two chairs and one footstool - Marked by label - Rare in set.
Fabric, Wood
$2,628
H 12.6 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool Model Pirkka, Designed for Laukaan Puu, 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957.
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stool for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957, stamped. Only one is available.
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional iconic chair designed by Finnish Master Ilmari Tapiovaara. A rare example of Scandinavian design. Less than 5000 of these chairs were ever created. Winner of the Ame...
Wood
Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko 1960s Finland
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Debrecen, HU
A beautiful Scandinavian Modern rocking chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Asko in Finland during the 1960s. The tall spindle backrest and slender curved armrest...
Wood
$2,650 / set
H 35 in W 34 in D 36 in
Wonderful Selig Swivel Egg Lounge Chair with Ottoman Mid-Century Modern
By Selig
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Selig swivel egg lounge chair with matching ottoman. This set will need to be re-upholstered but that's what you designers are looking for anyway-right?
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid century modern vintage Eames style lounge chair and ottoman
By Charlton Company
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1970s vintage Charlton Company, Inc. mid century modern lounge chair and ottoman in walnut with original black vinyl. The chair swivels, tilts and rocks with its original sturdy Lest...
Naugahyde, Walnut, Bentwood
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in W 28 in D 36 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Sculpted oak Lounge chair with Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Sculpted oak Lounge chair with Ottoman. Very Unique Scandinavian Modern Chair with a solid light oak sculpted frame and tan woven wool cushions. Arml...
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Eames Style Leather Lounge Chair with Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic Eames lounge chair and ottoman, featuring supple leather upholstery and a molded wood frame. This legendary design by Charles and Ray Eames embodies mid-century luxury and com...
Leather, Oak
$8,200 / set
H 33.25 in W 31.75 in D 31 in
Ilmari Lappalainen, Lounge Chairs, Beech, Green Fabric, Finland, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Stamford, CT
Ilmari Lappalainen, Asko, Finnish Mid-Century Modern, "Laila" Lounge Chairs, Beech, Green Fabric, Finland, 1950s Pair of 'Laila' lounge chairs designed by Ilmari Lappalainen (Finlan...
Fabric, Beech
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Armchair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Highland, IN
A wonderful 1946 design by Ilmari Tapiovaara, the Domus chair was offered entirely of wood, with an upholstered seat, or an upholstered seat and back. This nice example, has beautifu...
Leather, Beech
Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Esposizione Permanente mobili Cantù
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Esposizione La Permanente Mobili, lounge chair with ottoman, teak and leather, Finland, 1957. Lounge chair with ottoman by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaar...
Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 41.34 in D 31.5 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman with Velvet Cushions
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Esposizione Permanente mobili Cantù
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Esposizione La Permanente Mobili, lounge chair and ottoman, teak and leather, Italy, 1957. This rare set with chair and ottoman are designed by the Finnish ...
Leather, Velvet, Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Lounge Chair, Birch, Webbing, Finland, 1954
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and webbing "Colette" lounge chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Asko, Finland, c. 1954. Overall Dimensions: 29.5"H x 19.25"W x 28.25"D Seat Height: 13.25
Fabric, Birch
Sold
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 33.47 in
Pair of lounge chairs with hocker by Ilmari Tapiovaara for P. Arnaboldi Italy 57
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Paolo Arnaboldi
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Rare set of lounge chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Upholstered with a high quality bouclé.
Leather, Textile, Wood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 28.35 in D 34.26 in
Pair of Commissioned Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chairs, Sheepskin, Merivaara 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of chairs by Tapiovaara that are quite rare and were designed for a private residence. Tapiovaara had quite a lot of those commisions through his interior design office. The chairs are of a metal frame with brass details and cushons upholstered in natural sheepskin. Included is a picture of 2 similar chairs at the Design Museom exhibition in Helsinki in 2014, which marked the 100 anniversary (he was born in 1914) of Tapiovaara´s birth. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara...
Metal, Brass
Set of Two Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of two mid-century modern lounge chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the 1940s/1950s. These chairs were designed for the Olympic Village in Finland 1952. Lacquered birch fram...
Fabric, Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Lounge Chairs, Artek, 2000s
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Lounge Chairs, manufactured by Artek in the 2000s. Three in total, sold separetly. Bent birch. The chairs are repainted...
Birch
Sold
H 33.08 in W 22.25 in D 33.27 in
Congo Chair in Birch by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hellouw, NL
Nice Congo chair in Birch by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko 1960s. This smart construction consists of two parts that are put together without any screws and can be easily shipped or sto...
Birch
Sold
H 29.14 in W 31.5 in D 41.34 in
Lounge Chair by Finnish Architect Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Athens, Attiki
This lounge chair,designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi, was a commission of La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy 1957. This design premiered at the 'Seconda Mostra Selettiv...
Brass
Sold
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Rare Set of 2 Pirkka Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu 50s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Rare set of 2 Pirkka lounge chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955. The lounge chair was the only model of the Pirkka serie that...
Beech, Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Pair of Lounge Chairs, Finland, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very rare Pirkka lounge chair pair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955. This pair of lounge chairs from the...
Beech, Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Mademoiselle' Chair, 1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic 'Mademoiselle' chair designed by Illmari Tapiovaara for Edsby-verken, Sweden, with unique bentwood seats and curved backrest, original pale chartreuse finish, marked with stic...
Wood